In Alsace, the rehabilitation of the Rhine-Rhône canal is not unanimous

The project led by the Grand Est region plans to rehabilitate 24 kilometers of canal, with around ten locks, on a section that has been abandoned for around sixty years.

In Alsace, the rehabilitation of a section of canal between Strasbourg and Colmar is causing discord. Work began on Monday 26 August on the old canal which connected the Rhine and the Rhône, with the aim of allowing pleasure boats to navigate there again. But for some residents, this project will alter the landscape and biodiversity.

Today, only cyclists or pedestrians can enjoy this bucolic canal. “It’s reserved for cyclists here, there are no cars or anything”says Charlie, a walker. In four years, boaters will also be able to pass through there. “This landscape value will disappear”believes community activist Francis Guth.

“At the lock, we have a beautiful view of the canal, which has been restored to nature for almost 60 years. And we can easily imagine what it will become with trees being cut down left and right.”adds Pascal Lacombe, another activist attached to the place. The trees, sometimes lying on the water, will actually be pruned to allow boats to pass through. The work is scheduled to be completed in 2028. For Francis Guth, theThe impact on wildlife is undeniable.

“These branches provide shade and help cool the water. Fish suffer when the water gets hot.”

Francis Guth

to franceinfo

The activist also fears that the banks will become impermeable, which threatens nearby wetlands. “We want the canal to remain in this state, which we can call wild, renatured”he explains.

These demands come a little late, says Joël Clog, president of the Rhône au Rhin Plaisance association. He already imagines himself on the canal, on his boat. “This canal allows us to reach the Alsatian capital, Strasbourg, without taking the Rhine. And therefore without the constraints that this implies: special authorizations and prohibitions during floodshe explains. It’s a bit of a shame that a few people who wake up at the last minute can block a beautiful project like this.” Because opponents of the project promise to take legal action to prevent the work.

Barge hotel, boat rental… The tourist and commercial interest is obvious to Frédéric Pfliegerdoerffer, cregional councilor and mayor of Marckolsheim: “When you are on the Rhone-Rhine Canal, you are in Central Alsace, near Sélestat, Colmar or even Haut-Koenigsbourg. The idea is to arrive around 5 800 barges per year.” The work is due to be completed in 2028,with an estimated cost of 48 million euros and a target of 10 to 12 million euros return on investment each year.